Over the years, we have continued to develop and shape our Evolve2 Leadership Program.
We have had hundreds of participants through the six sessions, with many now achieving great things and gaining recognition within their chosen fields.
In session one, we touch on the seven critical elements of leadership:
- Communication
- Learning
- Clear Direction
- Courage
- Innovation
- Business & customer focus
- People & teamwork
The second element of the leadership model requires leaders to create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments for the people around them. This aspect can be a challenge for leaders as it requires creating a culture where all employees are free and encouraged to bring ideas to the table, give feedback and be open with other team members. In addition, employees need to make mistakes and know their leader will support them in bringing the issue forward. The team can benefit from the experience and take away critical learnings without fear of reprisal or negativity.
In creating such an environment, the benefits will be significant and present themselves immediately. New ideas and opportunities will continuously flow. However, many organisations struggle more with the process of capturing and actioning the initiatives.
Beyond this, ideas will start slowing as the initial deluge is handled. So how do you continue to encourage this learning environment within your team?
One solution is to stimulate conversations through new learning experiences. However, remember that people learn very differently; some enjoy:
- Verbal communication: such as tutorials or TED talks.
- Written communication: finding great value in books and articles.
- Visual communication: engaging in pictures and video content.
Here are some ideas to help your business or department continue to deliver new concepts and ideas:
- Join an industry networking organisation such as IPA so people interact outside of their typical business environment.
- Employ people from outside of your industry.
- Enlist guest specialists and speakers.
- Visit trade and external events.
- Set up an internal intranet site dedicated to sharing Ted talks, articles, and blogs.
- Encourage individual team members that are looking to continue their learning.
- Share books and audiobooks across your team, encourage them to recommend books.
I enjoy reading a good book, especially those focused on leadership or a topic I’m interested in at the time. I can do it at my own pace in a relaxed environment, and it is a forever reference point. Books never disappoint me in finding new perspectives, and every author has their twist on a concept. It helps me bring new ideas and concepts to the table, and given that I generally read when I have the time, it relaxes me and provides an opportunity to lower stress levels.
How do you learn?
Gary Silversides; CEO
